Big changes are being proposed to one of the major roads into and out of Huddersfield.

Kirklees and Calderdale councils are currently consulting the public over proposals to ease congestion and improve safety for pedestrians on the A641 Huddersfield to Bradford road.

Proposals have been drawn up for Bradford Road which runs from Huddersfield Ring Road through Hillhouse and Fartown, past Asda and up to the Bradley Bar roundabout.

The Huddersfield stretch is part of a wider £75 million scheme, which goes through Brighouse and into Bradford, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Earlier consultations on the Huddersfield stretch found that people felt Bradford Road was “unsafe”, not friendly for cycling or walking, was difficult to cross and that parking caused problems.

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As a result, a series of proposals have been drawn up which include changes to “simplify” the Fartown junction. This would include road closures to create open public spaces – possibly with seating – at either side of the main road.

Fartown junction – a crossroads of Bradford Road, Spaines Road and Fartown Green Road – will see the removal of the right turn lane out of Spaines Road, allowing two lanes for turning left instead.

Some islands will also be removed and crossing locations re-designed for improved pedestrian safety.

Elsewhere on Bradford Road, parking bays will be created between the junctions of Honoria Street and Flint Street.

There will also be a new bus lane around the junction with Hillhouse Lane and Eleanor Street; a number of new ‘controlled crossings’ including one near Netheroyd Hill Road and another above the Asda store near Long Hill Road.

The area around Birkby Junior School will see a “community-first” approach to reduce the dominance of traffic, enhance safety for children and encourage use of the Greenway. There will be wider footways, more trees, ornamental planting and seating areas.

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On an average day the A641 carries around 38,000 vehicles and a package of measures have now been drawn up. Feedback from the current consultation, which runs until August 15, will be used to finalise the scheme.

The proposals are split into five areas along the route and can be viewed in detail at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a641

People can have their say on proposals via the survey on that link. There’s also the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A tool. Those without access to the internet can call 0113 245 7676.

Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Working collaboratively with other the local authorities and the combined authority means that we can deliver the very best to the residents of Kirklees and beyond.

“Improvements to this route will make sure people have more choices around how they travel whilst benefiting from improved journey times and air quality.

“I would encourage anyone that uses the route to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure that all voices are heard.

“Connectivity between towns and communities is a key factor in making our ambitious regeneration plans a reality. Better connected towns lead to more prosperous towns for all.”

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